CNR-INSEAN – Circulating Water Channel
The circulating water channel by CNR-INSEAN is among the largest EU infrastructures of this type routinely used for testing ORE devices for research and commercial projects. The test section is 3.6 m wide, 2.25 m deep 12 m long. This allows testing large models and model arrays with 2-3 devices in proximity.
Water flow speed is up to 5.3 m/s. The test section can be depressurized down to 3 KPa for model tests in cavitation similitude with respect to full scale.
The facility provides flexibility of operation settings for marine current devices up to TRL 5:
- Water flume: test section roof open to simulate free-surface flows at ambient pressure
- Water tunnel: test section closed and filled to maximise volume at ambient pressure
- Cavitation channel: test section closed to simulate depressurised free-surface flows
A fake bottom is available to reduce depth and simulate different immersion of bottom fixed devices tested with foundations. Flow turbulence is 3-4%. Higher turbulence intensity or velocity profiles can be modelled by using suitable devices placed at test section inlet.
The facility is equipped with a full range of measuring systems (dynamometers, torque meters, wave gauges, etc.), Laser-Doppler velocimetry equipment (LDV, PIV, Stereo-PIV), high-speed cameras, hydroacoustics sensoring. Acquisition systems can be interfaced with models and equipment by TNA Users.
Services currently offered by the infrastructure:
The facility is designed and equipped for hydrodynamics studies on marine structures and vehicles. For ORE systems, standard services include:
- Characterization of system performance
- Cavitation and ventilation tests
- Device/device hydrodynamic interactions in clusters and arrays
- Analysis of system reliability and survivability in extreme conditions
- Analysis of solutions for device mooring or foundations.
- Analysis of device environmental impact
More information available at: http://rid.eurocean.org/AddUpdateData/Details/10431